RF Sports Radio

Who will backup Jay Cutler?

Bears in search of a backup QB to Jay Cutler. Photo credit: USATSI

Currently the Bears have three quarterbacks behind Jay Cutler on the roster with Jordan Palmer, Jerrod Johnson and David Fales.

By Gabe Salgado

The LaRussa-Towers Dynamic in D’Backs Front Office

Kevin Towers battling rumors about job security. Photo credit: Getty Images

In the latest chapter of As the D’Backs Turn, the hiring of Tony La Russa to oversee their baseball operations department has caused quite a stir within the organization. General Manager Kevin Towers was the man that everyone pointed to and thought this hiring would spell bad news in terms of his job security. To his credit though, Towers has continued to do his daily work with the team and not let this news affect how he operates within the organization.

By: Michael Hanley

2014 NBA Mock Draft. Photo credit: CBS Boston.

Unlike some NBA media, I like to wait until after the lottery to debut the first incarnation of the NBA mock draft. I am still baffled by the Cleveland Cavaliers getting the first pick for the third time in four years, but I don't expect a shock pick like Anthony Bennett to be a possibility in such a deep draft this year.

by +Rodney Fisher

Stephen Drew is Back with the Red Sox

Stephen Drew is back with the Red Sox. Photo Credit: Elsa/Getty Images

In what has been a long and at times strange road for Stephen Drew since winning the World Series with the Red Sox last season, he returns back to Boston for the remainder of this season. It was a very long offseason for Drew who after last season tested the free agency market, could not find a team that would take a chance on him, even on a one year deal.

By: Michael Hanley

Cleveland Cavs are awarded the number one pick again. Photo credit: CBS Cleveland

For the third time in four years, the Cleveland Cavaliers have bee awarded the number one pick in the NBA draft. This will be the Cavs second straight year with the first pick. The teams with higher percentage chances of winning the lottery, Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers, will pick second and third.

by +Rodney Fisher

“Million Dollar Arm” Star Pitcher Needs Tommy John Surgery

Rinku Singh recovering from Tommy John Surgery. Photo Credit: Getty Images

If you have been watching any sporting event of any length in recent weeks you have seen the ads for the movie “Million Dollar Arm” about two young men lives in Rinku Singh and Dinesh Kumar Patel from India who win a reality show that sought to see who could throw the hardest. Rinku Singh won with show w/ an 87 mph throw. Singh, still with the Pirates after signing w/ them in 2008, unfortunately now has joined an ever growing club of pitchers with one common thread: undergoing Tommy John surgery.

By: Michael Hanley

Jordan Lynch continues his progression in the NFL

Jordan Lynch making strides in Bears mini camp. Photo Credit: NBC San Diego

As the Chicago Bears concluded their three day rookie mini-camp over the weekend, most of the watchful eyes in attendance were focused on quarterback turned running back Jordan Lynch. Changing positions is never easy, but the former Northern Illinois standout has done everything in his power to make the transition as seamless as possible.

By Gabe Salgado

San Antonio Spurs take on the OKC Thunder in the WCF. Photo credit NBA

The OKC Thunder may have swept the San Antonio Spurs in the regular season, but the NBA Playoffs are totally different. We take a look at the big question marks for this series and prediction.

by Rodney Fisher

Jordan Lynch trying to find his niche with the Bears. Photo Credit: Jeff Haynes, AP

It was apparent from the moment that Northern Illinois quarterback Jordan Lynch declared his eligibility for the 2014 NFL Draft that teams were more interested in the Jordan Lynch that ran for 3,735 yards and 42 touchdowns, as opposed to the Jordan Lynch that threw for 6,030 yards and 49 touchdowns.

By Gabe Salgado

MLB: Red's Injury Picture Looking Brighter

Devin Mesoraco of the Cincinnati Reds. Photo credit: AP Photo/Al Behrman

On a day when the Red’s found out they in all likelihood will have to put slugger Joey Votto on the DL, they did get great news on two players who have been on shelf. Catcher Devin Mesoraco and starting pitcher Tony Cingrani both are on their way back to be active participants for Cincinnati sooner rather than later.

By: Michael Hanley

To preview the rematch of the Miami Heat vs Indiana Pacers for the chance to go to The Finals, here is a quick look back at their battles from the regular season and prediction.

by Rodney Fisher

NY Mets pitcher Matt Harvey making progress. Photo credit MLB

In a rehab stint that that not always been so quiet and calm, Matt Harvey continues to make marked improvement as he continues to rehab from his Tommy John surgery. He made another step of in the right direction with increasing the distance he threw from, going from 90 feet to 120 feet. Its the first time in his rehabilitation program that Harvey has been able to expand his throwing distance.

by Michael Hanley

Can Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook win together? Photo credit NBA

After an epic first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs, round 2 is ready to tip-off. Is everything okay for Indiana now? Can the Clippers continue to overcome? Is LeBron really what the Brooklyn Nets want? What are the betting odds?

by +Rodney Fisher

2014 NFL Draft Order and Picks

Round 1:

Sergio Romo of the San Francisco Giants. Photo credit MLB

Sergio Romo can make the claim as literally having a perfect start to his season . The numbers bear that out as he is a perfect 10 for 10 when it comes to save opportunities. He also boasts a miniscule 1.88 ERA along with a 12/3 strikeout to walk ratio, which is a sensational ratio. From those numbers there is good reason that the San Francisco Giants want to extend his contract and lock him in with the team for the foreseeable future. Those talks for an extension of Romo’s contract have been postponed until presumably the offseason. Both sides agreed that they did not want the talks to interrupt Romo or the team’s focus from the games.

by Michael Hanley

On the surface the headline of Gregory Polanco turning down a seven year, $25 million dollar deal would cause many people question the advice he got from his agent or friends around him. Below the surface of the years and amount of money, its very obvious why an elite prospect of Polanco’s stature would turn down this type of deal and why the Pirates would push so aggressively for this deal.

by Michael Hanley

Download the latest TheLateShift podcast

In sports there's always records that are made to be broken, usually that is something to celebrate. Last night that is not the case for the New York Mets. Saturday night vs the Rockies, the Mets pitchers have set a new benchmark in hitting futility as they have now started this season 0 for their first 46 at the plate. Its a record that had stood for exactly 100 years in the major leagues. You have to go back to the 1914 St Louis Browns, not Cardinals,the Browns who had that year their pitchers collectively start the season with an 0 for their first 45 at the plate.

by Michael Hanley

Mayweather vs Maidana

In case you missed this, here is the LIVE weigh-in event for tonight's huge fight between Floyd "Money" Mayweather and Marcos Maidana.

Damian Lillard hits game-winner over Rockets. Portland will advance
in the playoffs. Photo credit NBA

In case you did not stay up late enough last night to watch the Portland Trailblazers vs Houston Rockets game, here is your chance to see the biggest shot of the NBA Playoffs so far. With less than a second left in regulation, Damian Lillard sinks a deep three-pointer to give the Trailblazers their first playoff series win in 14 years.

by +Rodney Fisher

Dirk Nowitzki and Dallas Mavericks force Game 7. Photo credit NBA

Dallas Mavericks keep their season alive with a gutsy win over the San Antonio Spurs 113-111 in Game 6. Mavs will travel to San Antonio on Sunday to play the final and deciding Game 7. Dirk Nowitzki, Monta Ellis, and Rick Carlisle comment on winning the game and looking ahead to Sunday.

by +Rodney Fisher

Chris Johnson will be an Atlanta Brave a little longer. Photo credit MLB

For a player that was named as a “throw in” when he was part of the trade from Arizona along with slugger Justin Upton to Atlanta in January of 2013 , Chris Johnson has come up smelling like roses as he has emerged as a reliable and consistent hitter in the Braves lineup. Today he was rewarded handsomely with a new three-year, $23.5 million dollar contract extension that keeps him an Atlanta Brave through the 2017 season, with a $10 million dollar team option for the 2018 season.

by Michael Hanley

Clayton Kershaw set to return to Dodgers. Photo credit MLB

The Dodgers have been treading water without their superstar ace in Clayton Kershaw since he went down with a back injury after he made his start vs the Diamondbacks in Australia on March 22. Los Angeles has gone 15-12 since Kershaw last toed the rubber for them, enough to stay right in the thick of the underwhelming NL West division so far this season.

by Michael Hanley

2014 Milwaukee Brewers are better than expected. Photo credit MLB

Coming into this new season, the Brewers were far from being predicted by the national baseball media and experts as a team that could contend and be a factor in the NL Central Division race, especially a division that had three teams in the playoffs last season not to mention the defending NL Champion Cardinals.

by Michael Hanley

The Late Shift recaps Game 4 and previews Game 5 of the San Antonio Spurs vs Dallas Mavericks NBA Playoff series

When Albert Pujols cranked out his 500th home run of his career, it was rightfully celebrated and honored by many throughout the major leagues,including media and the fans. It is another crowning achievement in what is a first ballot hall of fame career for Pujols.

by Michael Hanley

Dallas Mavericks take 2-1 series lead over San Antonio Spurs thanks to
clutch three-pointer by Vince Carter. Photo credit RF Sports Radio

TheLateShift is live from Game 3 of San Antonio Spurs vs Dallas Mavericks NBA playoff series. Mavs win on a game-winning shot by veteran Vince Carter. Listen to hear postgame interviews with Vince Carter, Rick Carlisle, Tim Duncan, and Monta Ellis.

TMZ Sports has posted a candid recorded conversation between Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling and his girlfriend.

by +Rodney Fisher

Vince Carter and Dirk Nowizki celebrate a win over the Spurs for Game 2
of the NBA Playoffs. Photo credit DallasNews

Join us for another podcast of The Late Shift live from the AT&T Center in San Antonio for Game 2 of the Spurs vs Mavs series. Interviews with Gregg Popovich, Rick Carlisle, Manu Ginobli, Dirk Nowitzki, Devin Harris, Samuel Dalembert, and Monta Ellis. Plus we preview Game 3!

Will Carmelo Anthony leave the struggling New York Knicks and test free
agency? Photo credit NBA

by +Rodney Fisher

Carmelo Anthony is pondering the most important decision of his NBA career. Should he stay with the New York Knicks, now without any coaches, or join forces with a new team in a new city? As a rabid basketball fan, I reserve the right to over-analyze anything that happens in the association. So join me as we look at every what-if, every possible, and every mindset scenario that may be currently bouncing around in the mind of Melo.

Spurs Take Game 1 over Mavs 90-85. Photo credit NBA

Join me for a special edition of TheLateShift live from the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas for Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs.

The San Antonio Spurs beat the Dallas Mavericks 90-85 to keep home-court advantage.

Interviews with Gregg Popovich, Rick Carlisle, Danny Green, and Tim Duncan...

Join NBA analyst Rodney Fisher for a preview of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs. A full preview to both Western Conference and Eastern Conference series.

2014 NBA Playoffs first round schedule. Photo credit NBA

by Rodney Fisher

All 82 games are in the books for the 2013-14 NBA season. Now 16 teams will begin the real season to crown a champion. Here is the full schedule:

UFC on Fox 11

by Lance Levan

UFC on Fox 11 is being held in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, April 19^th. The top three (3) fights on this card look to be very action-packed and could move people up in the rankings. Unlike last week, I do not think that any of these fighters have anything to worry about from the standpoint of being cut from the UFC if they lose. All six (6) of these fighters “bring the noise” every time they enter the octagon and it is never a dull moment to watch them fight. I think that whoever wins the Werdum/Browne fight will be next in line for a title shot.

UFC Fight Night 39 Preview

UFC Fight Night 39 is being held in Abu Dhabi on Friday, April 11^th. In my opinion, 3 of the fighters in the top 2 matches are on the proverbial “chopping block”. These 3 fighters are getting a little older, they are not winning fights like they should anymore and I think Dana White is whispering to these guys that UFN 39 is “do-or-die” for them. I am willing to bet that within minutes of Dana cancelling their contract with the UFC, other certain organizations will be offering them a contract.

(#11) Antonio “Minotauro” Nogueira (34-8-1, 1NC) vs. (#9) Roy “Big Country” Nelson (20-9-0).
This is going to be a 5 round heavyweight fight between two (2) fairly old guys. Both of these guys are pushing 40 (37)…and it is going to be a messy fight. I think both of these fighters are in jeopardy of having their contracts voided by Dana White. Neither of them has had a winning streak in quite some time. It’s now or never for these warriors. Both of these fighters like to stand and trade punches and both of them can take a tremendous amount of punishment. What I find strange is that they are both very technical Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighters but yet, they both like to stand and trade punches. Both of these guys also like to get their opponent on the ground and inflicting loads of damage via “ground-and-pound”. I think this fight is going to come down to who has more “heart”. Both of them are going to inflict lots of damage on the other one…but the one of them who can keep getting up and coming forward through all of the abuse, is the one who is going to win. When it’s all said and done, there are VERY few people in the world who have more heart than the Nogueira brothers. Prediction: Nogueira wins by TKO in the 4^th round.

(#9) Clay “The Carpenter” Guida (30-11-0) vs. (#12) Tatsuya “The Crusher” Kawajiri (33-7-2)
When you look at these 2 fighters on paper, this is another fight that is a very VERY close match up. Guida is a wrestler/brawler, Kawajiri is a kickboxer. Both of these guys are strikers and they like to throw punches-in-bunches. Guida is known for his relentless pressure and never-ending stamina. Guida is the 3^rd fighter of the night that, in my opinion, needs to win this fight in spectacular fashion to keep his job. Rumor has it that recently, Guida has changed his entire fight-style from a buzz-saw predator...to a much more cautious style of fighting. This will NOT sit well with his fans…or with UFC brass. He needs to come out swinging and trying to destroy Kawajiri. Kawajiri needs to hurt Guida early and not try to out-last him in the later rounds. Kawajiri is dangerous, but I’m not sure he has the same “gas tank” as Clay. I am a “Clay Guida Fan”….so I am expecting a win. Prediction: Guida wins via TKO in the 3^rd.

John “Doomsday” Howard (22-8-0) vs. Ryan LaFlare (10-0-0)
This is a welterweight fight of two (2) fighters that are largely unknown. Howard has nine (9) fights in the UFC and LaFlare has 3. Both guys have very heavy hands and both of these guys have beaten some very impressive opponents. Howard beat Uriah Hall back in August 2013 and LaFlare beat Cort McGee in December 2013. Both of these fighters are on a winning streak….Howard has 4 in a row and LaFlare has an impressive 10-0 record. Almost half of their fights are KO/TKO fights…so they are going to be throwing a LOT of hard punches. You are not likely to see either of these fighters sitting back and stalling. Both of them are going to want to show the UFC that they belong on the roster. When you look at both of them on paper…LaFlare has the advantage. He is taller with a longer reach, he lands more punches per minute, and his overall defense seems to be more defined. Prediction: LaFlare wins via TKO in the 2^nd round.

NBA: Mavs Coach Carlisle Talks Teams Must Win Attitude Before Lakers Game

Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle talks about team's attitude
in LA. Photo credit NBA

by Rodney Fisher

Los Angeles-- Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle addresses the media before big game against Los Angeles Lakers. The Mavericks are in must-win game situations the rest of the season due to a tie for the final playoff spot in the West.
(Video After Jump)

The last playoff spot in the West will come down to the last game. Photo credit NBA

by Rodney Fisher

Los Angeles-- With roughly 13 days left in the 2013-14 NBA season, three teams are tied for the eighth and final spot in the Western Conference. The Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, and Memphis Grizzlies are all square at 44-31.

Stephen Curry hits the game-winner in OT to beat the Dallas Mavericks. Photo credit NBA

by Royce Fisher

Dallas-- The Golden State Warriors defeat the Dallas Mavericks 122-120 in overtime thanks to a game-winning shot by All-Star Steph Curry.

Interviews below with Curry, Dirk Nowitzki, Klay Thompson, Vince Carter, and Mark Jackson...

(Video After Jump)

Joe Johnson talks about his Nets turnaround and his development under
head coach Jason Kidd. Photo credit NBA

by +Rodney Fisher

When the Brooklyn Nets started the 2013-14 NBA season, with a first-year head coach with a new roster of veterans, expectations where high. After a 10-21 record before New Years Day, those hopes turned into nightmares. Since then the Nets have the hottest team in the Eastern Conference with a 28-12 record, good enough for a fifth place seed.

After the Nets overtime win over the Dallas Mavericks (107-104), I had the chance to chat with six-time NBA All-Star Joe Johnson about the team's turnaround, his new coach, and what makes him so lucky in the final seconds of a game.

Airing Every Wednesday Night 7:30pm CST

Saturday Night Lights

The Late Shift

Airing on RFSN

RF Sports Radio

Airing Two Nights A Week on RFSN

5G Sports Talk

Airing on RFSN

Aslyum Fantasy Football

Airing Two Nights a Week on RFSN

SportsJam Network

Airing Everyday on RFSN

UFC 170 preview

by Lance Levan

I have decided to blog today about this weekends top 3 UFC fights and my predictions for the outcomes. Just so you know...these are my "opinions". I am entitled to them. And usually, I am completely wrong...but here goes.

RFSN is proud to announce that for the 3rd consecutive year we will be broadcasting LIVE from the 2014 NBA All-Star weekend in New Orleans, LA. To watch LIVE all you have to do is go to our home page and click on the Ustream Player.

Broadcast Schedule:

24/7 Sports Talk

The OKC Thunder may have swept the San Antonio Spurs in the regular season, but the NBA Playoffs are totally different. We take a look at the big question marks for this series and prediction.

To preview the rematch of the Miami Heat vs Indiana Pacers for the chance to go to The Finals, here is a quick look back at their battles from the regular season and prediction.

After an epic first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs, round 2 is ready to tip-off. Is everything okay for Indiana now? Can the Clippers continue to overcome? Is LeBron really what the Brooklyn Nets want? What are the betting odds?

2014 NFL Draft Order and Picks

Download the latest TheLateShift podcast

In case you missed this, here is the LIVE weigh-in event for tonight's huge fight between Floyd "Money" Mayweather and Marcos Maidana.

The Late Shift recaps Game 4 and previews Game 5 of the San Antonio Spurs vs Dallas Mavericks NBA Playoff series

When Albert Pujols cranked out his 500th home run of his career, it was rightfully celebrated and honored by many throughout the major leagues,including media and the fans. It is another crowning achievement in what is a first ballot hall of fame career for Pujols.

TheLateShift is live from Game 3 of San Antonio Spurs vs Dallas Mavericks NBA playoff series. Mavs win on a game-winning shot by veteran Vince Carter. Listen to hear postgame interviews with Vince Carter, Rick Carlisle, Tim Duncan, and Monta Ellis.

TMZ Sports has posted a candid recorded conversation between Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling and his girlfriend.